April 28th, 2023
by Sarah Turner
by Sarah Turner

Nature is beautiful. In some of us, nature has the ability to put our souls at rest and ground us in ways that feel restorative. From epic hikes through national parks to just relaxing in the backyard or at a park, it feels good to be outside. God designed some truly wonderful creatures, feelings, and experiences.
God also placed unique aspects in nature that can be physical manifestations of His words and instructions in the Bible. Take for example something in the insect world called the Rhopalocera or its better-known common name: the butterfly. This insect has 4 stages of life in which it completes a full metamorphosis: from larvae to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
There are many biblical analogies that can be drawn from this metamorphosis, but the one we should focus on this week is the chrysalis stage. It is in this stage that the caterpillar spins an encasement, rests for a period of time, and then emerges as something completely new. This stage is a unique aspect in nature that shows us how rest can be a restorative recreation.
This is a dramatic example taken from nature, but can you think of any other personal experiences that demonstrate how rest can be restorative? What was it about those experiences that impacted you most? Share with the group.
This week, we will be discussing how rest, and more specifically the Sabbath, can be a joyous restorative recreation. But first, let’s open with a prayer.
Opening Prayer
Lord, Thank you for bringing us together today. We are grateful for this time to study your word and to feel your presence. Please bless this discussion and guide us towards deeper understanding. In your name we pray, amen.
The Head
The reading this week is focused on a time when God gave Moses and the Israelites instructions to give the land itself a Sabbath. In some ways, God wanted to show his people a physical example of restoration and recreation.
This reading is from the Old Testament Book of Leviticus starting at verse one in chapter 25:
The Lord said to Moses at Mount Sinai, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord. For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. Whatever the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you—for yourself, your male and female servants, and the hired worker and temporary resident who live among you, as well as for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. Whatever the land produces may be eaten."
· Why is the seventh year significant in the context of this bible reading?
· God gave these instructions just before the Israelites reached their promised land. Before this moment in time, the Israelites had been wandering the wilderness for 40 years. In what way would observing a Sabbath on the seventh year be similar to their time in the wilderness following God’s instructions?
· You can imagine that six years of labor back then must have taken a heavy toll on the land and most likely the people as well. In that burnout rhythm of life, people stay focused on productivity and the responsibility of providing. What benefits would there have been by observing a full seventh year of Sabbath for the land? What benefits would there have been for the people?
The Heart
· In the larger context of this week’s reading, there is an underlying notion that the busyness of life keeps us away from our relationship with God. It’s almost like there is an intentional effort by forces at work to drive a wedge between us and wear us down to the point of burnout. What aspects of an intentional Sabbath help restore our relationship with God?
· There is a tendency for our minds to wander when we are left to our own devices. Those rabbit holes run deep and there are tunnel networks between them. So, when we set aside moments to quietly observe a Sabbath and Rest, what does that experience look like for you? Where do your thoughts go? How do you ensure you are connecting with God and not aimlessly thinking about the day?
· The verses in Psalm 46 run together like a joyful song to God, however one section of verse 10 seems to resonate strongest: “Be still, and know that I am God”. It’s a mic drop moment. In what ways does this verse help when the heavy gets to be too much?
The Hands
There is a blog article that was published in Psychology Today back in 2011 titled “5 Steps for Being Present”. In summary those 5 steps are:
1. Take a breath – in and out slowly through the nose because breathing from the mouth triggers a subtle anxiety response.
2. What are you doing right now? – as a calm correspondence with the breath. Focus on the now.
3. Be a witness – observe it, name it, bear witness all at once. The moment is now.
4. Let the rest go – travel light, don’t bring it with you
5. Come back to the breath – unbind yourself from the shackles of the past.
This blog is a quick read if you get a moment, and the 5 steps are an interesting exercise as they could be something to practice in combination with a Sabbath. Try it out if you are looking for a way to begin. It might be a helpful focusing tool before prayer to channel your attention toward God. Maybe try it out now before this closing prayer.
Closing Prayer
Hey God, thank you for the gift of Sabbath. Thank you for giving us verses in the Bible that provide guidance for staying connected to you. Please forgive us when we fall short of this guidance. Please show us a righteous path and provide us opportunities to help others. In your name we pray Lord, Amen.
God also placed unique aspects in nature that can be physical manifestations of His words and instructions in the Bible. Take for example something in the insect world called the Rhopalocera or its better-known common name: the butterfly. This insect has 4 stages of life in which it completes a full metamorphosis: from larvae to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
There are many biblical analogies that can be drawn from this metamorphosis, but the one we should focus on this week is the chrysalis stage. It is in this stage that the caterpillar spins an encasement, rests for a period of time, and then emerges as something completely new. This stage is a unique aspect in nature that shows us how rest can be a restorative recreation.
This is a dramatic example taken from nature, but can you think of any other personal experiences that demonstrate how rest can be restorative? What was it about those experiences that impacted you most? Share with the group.
This week, we will be discussing how rest, and more specifically the Sabbath, can be a joyous restorative recreation. But first, let’s open with a prayer.
Opening Prayer
Lord, Thank you for bringing us together today. We are grateful for this time to study your word and to feel your presence. Please bless this discussion and guide us towards deeper understanding. In your name we pray, amen.
The Head
The reading this week is focused on a time when God gave Moses and the Israelites instructions to give the land itself a Sabbath. In some ways, God wanted to show his people a physical example of restoration and recreation.
This reading is from the Old Testament Book of Leviticus starting at verse one in chapter 25:
The Lord said to Moses at Mount Sinai, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord. For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. Whatever the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you—for yourself, your male and female servants, and the hired worker and temporary resident who live among you, as well as for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. Whatever the land produces may be eaten."
· Why is the seventh year significant in the context of this bible reading?
· God gave these instructions just before the Israelites reached their promised land. Before this moment in time, the Israelites had been wandering the wilderness for 40 years. In what way would observing a Sabbath on the seventh year be similar to their time in the wilderness following God’s instructions?
· You can imagine that six years of labor back then must have taken a heavy toll on the land and most likely the people as well. In that burnout rhythm of life, people stay focused on productivity and the responsibility of providing. What benefits would there have been by observing a full seventh year of Sabbath for the land? What benefits would there have been for the people?
The Heart
· In the larger context of this week’s reading, there is an underlying notion that the busyness of life keeps us away from our relationship with God. It’s almost like there is an intentional effort by forces at work to drive a wedge between us and wear us down to the point of burnout. What aspects of an intentional Sabbath help restore our relationship with God?
· There is a tendency for our minds to wander when we are left to our own devices. Those rabbit holes run deep and there are tunnel networks between them. So, when we set aside moments to quietly observe a Sabbath and Rest, what does that experience look like for you? Where do your thoughts go? How do you ensure you are connecting with God and not aimlessly thinking about the day?
· The verses in Psalm 46 run together like a joyful song to God, however one section of verse 10 seems to resonate strongest: “Be still, and know that I am God”. It’s a mic drop moment. In what ways does this verse help when the heavy gets to be too much?
The Hands
There is a blog article that was published in Psychology Today back in 2011 titled “5 Steps for Being Present”. In summary those 5 steps are:
1. Take a breath – in and out slowly through the nose because breathing from the mouth triggers a subtle anxiety response.
2. What are you doing right now? – as a calm correspondence with the breath. Focus on the now.
3. Be a witness – observe it, name it, bear witness all at once. The moment is now.
4. Let the rest go – travel light, don’t bring it with you
5. Come back to the breath – unbind yourself from the shackles of the past.
This blog is a quick read if you get a moment, and the 5 steps are an interesting exercise as they could be something to practice in combination with a Sabbath. Try it out if you are looking for a way to begin. It might be a helpful focusing tool before prayer to channel your attention toward God. Maybe try it out now before this closing prayer.
Closing Prayer
Hey God, thank you for the gift of Sabbath. Thank you for giving us verses in the Bible that provide guidance for staying connected to you. Please forgive us when we fall short of this guidance. Please show us a righteous path and provide us opportunities to help others. In your name we pray Lord, Amen.
Posted in CoreGroup Discussion Guides
Recent
He is Risen | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Easter
April 20th, 2025
The Burning Pain of Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Holy Saturday
April 19th, 2025
Easter Discussion Guide
April 18th, 2025
EasterSTL @The Factory Pro-Tips // M-Note 4.18.25
April 18th, 2025
Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good Friday
April 18th, 2025
Archive
2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11Friends Along the Way | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 12The Loneliness of Fear | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 13Not Through With You Yet | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 14Clinging to Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 15Bring It To The King | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 16Pray When Unsteady | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 17Courage to Stand for Faith | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 18Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 3A Holy Rage | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 19Focus on What is Holy | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 20Fast for Justice and Kindness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 21The World is Harsh and Beautiful | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 22I Feel Sorry for Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 23Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 4i flipped a table once | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 24Ain’t Got Nothin’ | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 25Spring Forward in Faith // M-Note 3.29.25Visio Divina | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 26Everlasting Joy Sealed in Your Heart | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 27
April
Sometimes Joy is Simply Doing Your Best | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 28An Unexpected Gift of Spring | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 29When Joy Flows Freely | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 30Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.5.25Joy Even When It Rains | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 31Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 5Joy Entwined with Loss | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 32When Betrayal is Part of the Plan | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 33Healing From Disappointment | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 34Betraying Others is Betraying Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 35A Sarcastic Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 36Have Compassion for Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 37Another Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.12.25A Disappointing Disciple | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 38When We Disappoint Others | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 39Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 6The Belief of Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 40The Value of Praise | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 41Through the Eyes of Those Who Knew Him | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 42Feeling Called Out | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 43Where Was Judas? | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Maundy ThursdayEaster Discussion GuideEasterSTL @The Factory Pro-Tips // M-Note 4.18.25Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good FridayThe Burning Pain of Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Holy SaturdayHe is Risen | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Easter
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
No Comments